Avry knows hardship and trouble. She fought the plague and survived. She took on King Tohon and defeated him. But now her heart-mate, Kerrick, is missing, and Avry fears he's gone forever.

But there's a more immediate threat. The Skeleton King plots to claim the Fifteen Realms for his own. With armies in disarray and the dead not staying down, Avry's healing powers are needed now more than ever.Torn between love and loyalty, Avry must choose her path carefully. For the future of her world depends on her decision.

The last time we interviewed Maria, she had just released the second Insider book, Outside In. It was a new creative outlet for the Young Adult author. Now we are back to the land of magicians, healers, and undeniably, another incredible love story with the third installment of the Healer series: Taste of Darkness.

BH: Thank you again, Maria, for taking the time to answer a few questions for your fans. I know I truly appreciate you sharing your creativity and gift in writing the most amazing books. Sometimes we as readers do not realize the work that goes into a book that we read within a day or two! How long had you been working on Taste of Darkness?

MVS: Thank you for inviting me back to your blog! Great question about all the work. I always chuckle when my latest book has just been released, and I get a flurry of emails the very next day, asking when the next book is coming out! I started Taste of Darkness back in September 2012 and finished the first draft in April 2013. Then I did two revisions before the final editing in June 2013. It’s about a nine-month process from start to finish.

BH: Are you planning on a fourth installment or short versions from a different POV like with the Study series?

MVS: I would like to do some fun short stories, but with my new contract, my next three books will be coming out at 9-month intervals instead of yearly, so my extra time for fun extras is gone for the next couple of years.

BH: Now, every author surround themselves in the environment that best fits their creativity. Do you listen to music, drink a special tea, or have a certain activity you do during break times?

MVS: I write in my home office at night (from 10 pm to 3 am). It’s a lovely place—my husband built the furniture and bookcases for me. I listen to mostly pop music like Matchbox 20, 3 Doors Down, Plain White Ts, etc… and I do drink tea. I brew a big thermos full of English Breakfast decaf and sip on that all night. When I take a break, I play with my cat. He thinks nighttime is playtime and if I don’t play once or twice a night, he jumps on my bookcase and knocks stuff down, and if I still ignore him, he jumps up on the keyboard.

Maria’s Desk! Do you see the Poison Study books?

BH: All of your books, like most of your fans, are on a bookshelf with my other top favorite reads. What books are on your favorite’s shelf?

MVS: This is always a hard question to answer. My shelves are packed right now. However, some of my favorite books are: Ender’s Game, by Orson Scott Card, The Gate to Women’s Country, by Sheri S. Tepper, Jaran, by Kate Elliott, The Time of the Dark series by Barbara Hambly, the Morganville Vampire series by Rachel Caine, and On the Edge, by Illona Andrews.

Look at those bookshelves! Do you see any of your favorites?

BH: I know you have a big tour coming up! Once that is over, do you have plans to vacation? Where is your favorite spot to relax?

MVS: I need to finish my work in progress before I can relax. I’m writing a new Study book with Yelena and Valek. It’s the first of three! (BH: OMG!!!!!!!!!!!) This book is tentatively set for a January 2015 release, with book 2 coming out 9 months later. When I do relax, my favorite spot is at the beach. All I need are the sun, waves, sand, a book, and a comfy chair and I’m in heaven.

Great interview. I love Maria’s books and its nice to see other people appreciating her work. I have been waiting for this novel to come and am bouncing around daily wanting to finish averys story. Thanks again

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Rating System Explanation

Five stars are like six-pack abs on a really tan, hunky guy not wearing much. They make us drool, we stroke them (the books, not the guys! - sometimes the guys...) and want to make sweet, sweet love to them. Five stars is the hottest, we mean, highest honor.

Four stars is a total hunkalicious of burning love, but maybe we didn't like his hair for some reason. We still think he's hot, and we're still going to recommend him, we mean, the book, to readers because it's a damn fine ass, we mean book.

Three stars = that awkward guy at the party. He's cute and you know he's cute, and if you look at him the right way, he even looks like Brad Pitt a little, but there are flaws. Surprisingly, he's good in bed (because you got drunk and shit happens).

Remember that - yeah we don't either.

One star is like expecting a somewhat attractive guy and being sent a Grumpy cat meme. We appreciate the effort, but no. This book was not for us. Grumpy cat might want to use it for litter though.